Huey Lewis & The News may not have known it, but they were talking about the benefits of good posture on your energy levels. Here are some quick tips to keep you feeling ‘hip’:

Support yourself: When working at a desk, sit in a comfortable chair that supports your lower and mid back (with the backrest in the small of your back), as well as your thighs and buttocks.

Stay close…but not too close: Make sure the chair is a comfortable distance from the computer. Your elbows should be at a relaxed 90-degree angle to the keyboard, and your back should be straight.

Square up: Sit upright with square shoulders. Your shoulders should be relaxed but not slumped. Your hips and knees should be at 90 degrees.

Be grounded: Adjust the height of your chair if necessary so your feet are flat on the floor – you don’t want them dangling. If you can’t lower your seat, use a footrest: your hips should be slightlyhigher than your knees, so make sure your footrest isn’t too high.

No tilt: The chair seat should be level, or sloping slightly upwards at the front – never downwards!

Be well armed: Check that your armrests are at the right height – if you have to hunch your shoulders then the armrests are too high, but if your elbows don’t reach then they’re too low.

Keep it moving: Change your body position often. For example, stand up or stretch if you have been sitting. If you need to, use a timer to remind yourself to switch positions.

Disclaimer: This e-learning module about fatigue is designed to help you make informed decisions about self-management and is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this module and linkages to other sites, The Arthritis Society provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this e-learning module, or through linkages to other sites, is for adults only and is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. The Arthritis Society is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

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